The Labour government's promised crackdown on grooming gangs has stalled dramatically, with ministers failing to appoint a chair for the crucial inquiry nearly four months after announcing it.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper pledged in July to establish a statutory inquiry into child sexual exploitation, vowing it would have "all the powers it needs" to uncover systemic failures and bring justice to victims. However, the investigation remains in limbo as the government struggles to find someone to lead it.
Growing Frustration Among MPs and Campaigners
Labour MP Sarah Champion, who has long campaigned for victims of grooming gangs, expressed her deep frustration at the delay. "We're nearly four months in and we haven't even got a chair," she revealed. "This is the third inquiry I've called for - we need to get it right."
The government insists the process is underway, with a spokesperson stating they are "focused on appointing a chair as quickly as possible" and ensuring the inquiry has "the necessary powers and resources."
Complex Challenges Behind the Scenes
Sources suggest several factors are complicating the appointment process:
- Scope concerns: Potential chairs are wary of the inquiry's broad geographical reach
- Resource allocation: Questions remain about funding and investigative powers
- Political sensitivity: The inquiry touches on multiple failed institutions and cultural issues
Shadow ministers have accused the government of "dragging their feet" on a issue that demands urgent attention, while victims' groups watch anxiously for progress.
What the Inquiry Aims to Achieve
When established, the inquiry is expected to:
- Examine institutional responses to grooming gangs across multiple towns and cities
- Identify patterns of failure in police and social services
- Recommend reforms to prevent future exploitation
- Give voice to survivors who have long felt ignored
The delay comes amid ongoing concerns about child protection failures and political commitment to addressing historical wrongs.
